EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES


SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Announcements And Advisories

Philippine Embassy in Seoul Reiterates Warning to Filipinos Against Illegal Matchmaking Agencies


Seoul – Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Luis T. Cruz reiterated the Philippine Embassy's warning to Filipinos against agencies that act as a front for mail-order brides amidst reports that the South Korean Government is also set to crack down on interracial matchmaking agencies that violate local laws and use deceptive advertising.

The Philippine Embassy reminds the public of Philippine Republic Act 6955 or the Anti-Mail-Order Bride Law, which makes it illegal for a "person, natural or juridical, association, club or any other entity" to "establish or carry on a business which has for its purpose the matching of Filipino women for marriage to foreign nationals either on a mail-order basis or through personal introduction." The law also makes it illegal for anyone "to advertise, publish, print or distribute or cause the advertisement, publication, printing or distribution of any brochure, flier, or any propaganda material calculated to promote the prohibited acts" earlier mentioned. Further amendments included its applicability to mail-order bride schemes using "mails or websites in the Internet." While matchmaking agencies are considered legal in South Korea, Korean law requires these agencies to be registered and to be aware of issues concerning interracial marriages and ethics. Amb. Cruz notes that many Filipinos enter South Korea through marriages arranged through these matchmakers. Many are lured by promises of work or a better life. As of January 31, 2008, approximately 5,000 Filipinos married to South Koreans reside in the peninsula, some of whom met through matchmaking agencies.

Other Announcements And Advisories


October 19, 2026
ADVISORY FROM PAG-IBIG FUND KOREA OFFICE FOR 25 OCTOBER 2026

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul wishes to inform the Filipino community that the Pag-IBIG Fund Korea office will be closed on Sunday, 25 October 2026, as the office will conduct onsite service in Changwon City.

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October 18, 2026
ADVISORY: TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SSS SEOUL, 20-22 OCTOBER AND 27-29 OCTOBER 2026

20-22 October 202627-29 October 2026During these periods, all over-the-counter services and in-person transactions will be unavailable. For inquiries you may send an email to korea@sss.gov.ph  Thank you.

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October 15, 2026
ANNOUNCEMENT: MOBILE CONSULAR SERVICE AND OVERSEAS VOTERS REGISTRATION IN INCHEON

The Philippine Embassy will conduct a Mobile Consular Service in Incheon on 24 October 2026 (Saturday) from 1:00pm to 6:00pm.

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